TEPCO’s share price has tumbled nearly 80 percent since the March 11 earthquake and tsunami knocked out power and backup systems at the coastal nuclear plant. Radiation from the plant has made its way into the sea, vegetables, raw milk and tap water.

“Investors were worried TEPCO would be burdened by massive compensation for the disaster,” said Masatoshi Sato, market analyst at Mizuho Investors Securities Co. Ltd. “We all know TEPCO must pay hefty damages, but don’t know how much that will cost.”

Japan’s top-selling daily Yomiuri said Tuesday TEPCO would be saddled with several trillion yen, and the government was considering nationalizing the company.

While the government and TEPCO denied the report, Sato said investors remained skeptical.

“Uncertainty over the nuclear disaster and the future of TEPCO is just continuing to accelerate selling,” Sato said.

The company has been under heavy criticism for its handling of the disaster. TEPCO said Wednesday its president was hospitalized due to high blood pressure and dizziness.